Zimmer massacre
Encyclopedia
The Zimmer massacre was a massacre
of an Ohio
family that took place in September, 1812.
Two weeks after the removal of the Greentown Indians, Martin Ruffner and the Zimmer family, who lived on the Black Fork about five miles (eight kilometres) north of the site of the burned village, were murdered. The deed was supposed to have been committed by a portion of Armstrong's band in retaliation for the injuries they had suffered and it was also supposed they had a grudge against the Zimmer family, as members of that family had, on different occasions, tied clapboards to the tails of their ponies
. Their ponies were allowed to run loose in the woods trail, which annoyed Mr. Zimmer by getting into his corn
-field. Any insult to their ponies was made a personal matter and resented accordingly.
, Virginia
, and settled in Pleasant Township, Fairfield County
, Ohio
in 1807. He was accompanied by his mother, brother Michael, and a sister, who married one Richard Hughes. Martin Ruffner returned to Virginia a year or two before he settled in Richland County
, and married. In the spring of 1812, he and his relatives located on what is now Staman's Run, in Mifflin Township
, half a mile (800 m) a little north of west of the present village of Mifflin. He was of German
origin, a bold, fearless backwoodsman, and an uncompromising enemy of the Indians
, several of his friends and relatives having been murdered by them. On his arrival in Mifflin he built a cabin
on the brow of the hill, not far from the Black Fork, about five minutes walk from the present residence of Mr. Jacob Seaman and on the latter's farm. While building this cabin and clearing around it, with the help of a bound boy named Levi Franghiser, his mother and brother Michael boarded with his brother-in-law. Richard Hughes, while he and Franghiser kept "bachelors hall" at the cabin. They had just entered their lands at Canton
, and were preparing for a permanent residence.
s, knives and tomahawks
and appeared very friendly. They asked him if the Zimmers were at home, and, upon receiving an affirmative reply, passed on. Having his suspicions aroused, he hastened to the cabin of his brother Martin, and informed him of his meeting with the Indians. Martin's suspicions were aroused, and, taking down his rifle
, he mounted a fleet mare, and rode rapidly down the trail to the Zimmer cabin. He arrived before the Indians; and after a short consultation it was decided that Phillip Zimmer should hasten to the cabin of James Copus, who lived about two miles (three kilometers) further south, on the trail, give the alarm in that neighborhood, and return with assistance. Meanwhile the brave Ruffner was to remain and defend the family. Phillip Zimmer hastened to Mr. Copus' cabin, and from there to John Lambright's, two miles (three kilometers) further south on the Black Fork. Lambright returned with him, and, joined by Mr. Copus, they all proceeded together to the Zimmer cabin, where they arrived in the early part of the evening. Finding no light in the cabin, and all being silent, fears were entertained that the inmates had been murdered. Mr. Copus moved cautiously around to the back window, and listened a moment; but, hearing no movement, he crept quietly around to the door, which, on examination, he found slightly ajar, and, pressing upon it, found some obstruction behind it. He at once suspected the family had been murdered; and, on placing his hand upon the floor, found it wet with blood. There was no longer any doubt. Hastening back to Phillip and Lambright, who were concealed a short distance from the cabin, he stated his discoveries and convictions.
Phillip became frantic with grief and excitement, and desired to rush into the cabin to learn the whole truth. In this he was prevented by the others, who feared that the Indians were yet concealed in the cabin awaiting his return. Persuading Phillip to accompany them, they hastened back to the cabin of Mr. Copus, and, taking the latter's family, they all proceeded as rapidly as possible to Mr. Lambright's. This family was added to their numbers, and they pushed on to the cabin of Frederick Zimmer, Jr., Phillip's brother, and he and his family joined the fugitives. They hastened along an Indian trail, near where the village of Lucas now stands, and stopped at the cabin of David Hill, where they remained until the next morning, when, accompanied by the family of Hill, all proceeded to the block-house at Beam's mill. This fort
was then occupied by a company
of soldier
s under Capt. Martin. A party of these soldiers, accompanied by Mr. Copus. Phillip and Frederick Zimmer, Hill and Lambright, all well armed, proceeded by the most direct route through the forest, to the cabins of Martin Ruffner and Richard Hughes. They found the cabin of Ruffner had not been disturbed, the boy Franghiser having slept there alone the night before; and the cabin of Hughes was also undisturbed. Ruffner had, a short time prior to this; upon the surrender of Hull, sent his wife and child to Licking County
, to a Mr. Lair, or Laird, an uncle, who lived about one and a half miles (two kilometres) from Utica
. At Ruffner's cabin, they were joined by Franghiser, Michael Ruffner and Mr. Hughes, and all hastened down the trail to the Zimmer cabin. Entering it they found the old gentleman, the old lady and Catharine, all dead upon the floor, and dreadfully mangled. The gallant Ruffner was lying dead in the yard. There was every evidence that he had made a desperate struggle for his life and that of the Zimmers. His gun was bent nearly double, and several of his fingers had been cut off by blows from a tomahawk. The struggle had finally ended by his being shot twice through the body. The details of this butchery could never be certainly known as the prominent actors were all killed; all had also been scalped
. It appeared that the table had been set with refreshments for the savages, and most of the food remained. Whether any of the Indians were killed, is not known; they would have taken their dead away with them, and destroyed all evidences, if such a catastrophe had happened to them. It is supposed that eight or ten Indians were engaged in this tragedy.
There is a tradition among the early settlers, that an Indian by the name of Kanotchy was taken prisoner some years afterward, and related the story of this massacre. It appears from this statement that the Indians entered the cabin and seated themselves very sullenly, while the terrified Kate was setting refreshments for them, as was usual. The heroic Dutchman was the only guard of consequence, as Mr. Zimmer was too old to make much resistance. The Indians made the attack very suddenly Ruffner not having time to fire, clubbed his rifle, broke the stock in pieces and bent the barrel double in the terrible fight. The odds were too much for him, and he soon went down before superior numbers. As soon as he was out of the way, they killed and scalped the old people. At the commencement of the affray. Kate fainted and fell to the floor, and, until aroused from this state of syncope, was unaware of the murder of her parents. When she came to her senses she looked about upon a scene of blood and horror, and burst into a paroxysm
of weeping
. She begged the savages to spare her life, but all to no purpose. They first ascertained from her where her father's money was concealed and then buried the tomahawk in her brain. While she was in a senseless condition a consultation had been held over her to decide whether they should kill her or take her prisoner. It was decided that her life should be taken, but still they hesitated as no one wished to do the deed. At length it was decided that the one who should perform the deed, should he considered as possessing the greatest heart, whereupon this same Phillip Kanotchy stepped forward, exclaiming, "Me kill white squaw, me got big heart." When Kate saw the tomahawk descending, she raised a beautiful white arm to ward off the blow, which, falling upon the arm, nearly severed it in twain; a second blow did the work-one quiver, and the lovely life went out.
She was engaged
to be married
to Mr. Henry Smith, who was at that time in the East
, attending to some business; they were to be married upon his return.
Martin Ruffner and the Zimmers were buried on a little knoll near the cabin, in one grave
, where the remains still lie. The farm is now owned by a Mr. Culler. After performing the last sad ceremonies over the remains of the murdered pioneers, they returned to the block-house at Beam's, and Michael Ruffner, his mother, and Hughes and family returned to Fairfield County, where they remained.
The settlers were thoroughly aroused by the tragedy, and all fled to the block-house for safety.
On September 15, 1812 the Copus Massacre
occurred in which 3 Militiamen and James Copus killed; 2 militamen and Copus daughter wounded.
70 Years after the massacres, monuments were placed at each site.
Massacre
A massacre is an event with a heavy death toll.Massacre may also refer to:-Entertainment:*Massacre , a DC Comics villain*Massacre , a 1932 drama film starring Richard Barthelmess*Massacre, a 1956 Western starring Dane Clark...
of an Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
family that took place in September, 1812.
Two weeks after the removal of the Greentown Indians, Martin Ruffner and the Zimmer family, who lived on the Black Fork about five miles (eight kilometres) north of the site of the burned village, were murdered. The deed was supposed to have been committed by a portion of Armstrong's band in retaliation for the injuries they had suffered and it was also supposed they had a grudge against the Zimmer family, as members of that family had, on different occasions, tied clapboards to the tails of their ponies
Horse
The horse is one of two extant subspecies of Equus ferus, or the wild horse. It is a single-hooved mammal belonging to the taxonomic family Equidae. The horse has evolved over the past 45 to 55 million years from a small multi-toed creature into the large, single-toed animal of today...
. Their ponies were allowed to run loose in the woods trail, which annoyed Mr. Zimmer by getting into his corn
Maize
Maize known in many English-speaking countries as corn or mielie/mealie, is a grain domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica in prehistoric times. The leafy stalk produces ears which contain seeds called kernels. Though technically a grain, maize kernels are used in cooking as a vegetable...
-field. Any insult to their ponies was made a personal matter and resented accordingly.
Martin Ruffner
Martin Ruffner came from Shenandoah CountyShenandoah County, Virginia
As of the census of 2000, there were 35,075 people, 14,296 households, and 10,064 families residing in the county. The population density was 68 people per square mile . There were 16,709 housing units at an average density of 33 per square mile...
, Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
, and settled in Pleasant Township, Fairfield County
Fairfield County, Ohio
Fairfield County is a county located in the state of Ohio, United States. As of 2010, the population was 146,156. Its county seat is Lancaster. Its name is a reference to the Fairfield area of the original Lancaster....
, Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
in 1807. He was accompanied by his mother, brother Michael, and a sister, who married one Richard Hughes. Martin Ruffner returned to Virginia a year or two before he settled in Richland County
Richland County, Ohio
Richland County is a county located in the state of Ohio, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 124,475. It is included in the Mansfield, Ohio, Metropolitan Statistical Area as well as the Mansfield–Bucyrus Combined Statistical Area....
, and married. In the spring of 1812, he and his relatives located on what is now Staman's Run, in Mifflin Township
Mifflin Township, Richland County, Ohio
Mifflin Township is one of the eighteen townships of Richland County, Ohio, United States. It is a part of the Mansfield Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, half a mile (800 m) a little north of west of the present village of Mifflin. He was of German
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
origin, a bold, fearless backwoodsman, and an uncompromising enemy of the Indians
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
, several of his friends and relatives having been murdered by them. On his arrival in Mifflin he built a cabin
Log cabin
A log cabin is a house built from logs. It is a fairly simple type of log house. A distinction should be drawn between the traditional meanings of "log cabin" and "log house." Historically most "Log cabins" were a simple one- or 1½-story structures, somewhat impermanent, and less finished or less...
on the brow of the hill, not far from the Black Fork, about five minutes walk from the present residence of Mr. Jacob Seaman and on the latter's farm. While building this cabin and clearing around it, with the help of a bound boy named Levi Franghiser, his mother and brother Michael boarded with his brother-in-law. Richard Hughes, while he and Franghiser kept "bachelors hall" at the cabin. They had just entered their lands at Canton
Canton, Ohio
Canton is the county seat of Stark County in northeastern Ohio, approximately south of Akron and south of Cleveland.The City of Caton is the largest incorporated area within the Canton-Massillon Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, and were preparing for a permanent residence.
The Zimmer family
Mr. Zimmer, with his family, came about the same time, located his land and built his cabin about two and a half miles (four kilometres) southeast of Mr. Ruffner. His family consisted of his wife, a beautiful daughter named Kate, and his son Phillip, aged nineteen. He was an old man, not able to do much work, and, desiring to prepare some fifteen or twenty acres (60,000 to 80,000 m2) for corn, he employed Michael Ruffner to assist his son Phillip.Note on spelling of "Zimmer"
This has generally been written "Seymour," but the correct name has been ascertained to be Zimmer. The settlers in that direction (including this family) were Germans, and their pronunciation of the name Zimmer sounds very much like "Seymour," hence the mistake.Events of massacre
Early in September, one afternoon, while Michael Ruffner was walking along the trail leading from the cabin of Frederick Zimmer to that of his brother, he met a party of Indians (One account makes the number two, another three, another four, and still another, five.), who were well armed with gunGun
A gun is a muzzle or breech-loaded projectile-firing weapon. There are various definitions depending on the nation and branch of service. A "gun" may be distinguished from other firearms in being a crew-served weapon such as a howitzer or mortar, as opposed to a small arm like a rifle or pistol,...
s, knives and tomahawks
Tomahawk (axe)
A tomahawk is a type of axe native to North America, traditionally resembling a hatchet with a straight shaft. The name came into the English language in the 17th century as a transliteration of the Powhatan word.Tomahawks were general purpose tools used by Native Americans and European Colonials...
and appeared very friendly. They asked him if the Zimmers were at home, and, upon receiving an affirmative reply, passed on. Having his suspicions aroused, he hastened to the cabin of his brother Martin, and informed him of his meeting with the Indians. Martin's suspicions were aroused, and, taking down his rifle
Rifle
A rifle is a firearm designed to be fired from the shoulder, with a barrel that has a helical groove or pattern of grooves cut into the barrel walls. The raised areas of the rifling are called "lands," which make contact with the projectile , imparting spin around an axis corresponding to the...
, he mounted a fleet mare, and rode rapidly down the trail to the Zimmer cabin. He arrived before the Indians; and after a short consultation it was decided that Phillip Zimmer should hasten to the cabin of James Copus, who lived about two miles (three kilometers) further south, on the trail, give the alarm in that neighborhood, and return with assistance. Meanwhile the brave Ruffner was to remain and defend the family. Phillip Zimmer hastened to Mr. Copus' cabin, and from there to John Lambright's, two miles (three kilometers) further south on the Black Fork. Lambright returned with him, and, joined by Mr. Copus, they all proceeded together to the Zimmer cabin, where they arrived in the early part of the evening. Finding no light in the cabin, and all being silent, fears were entertained that the inmates had been murdered. Mr. Copus moved cautiously around to the back window, and listened a moment; but, hearing no movement, he crept quietly around to the door, which, on examination, he found slightly ajar, and, pressing upon it, found some obstruction behind it. He at once suspected the family had been murdered; and, on placing his hand upon the floor, found it wet with blood. There was no longer any doubt. Hastening back to Phillip and Lambright, who were concealed a short distance from the cabin, he stated his discoveries and convictions.
Phillip became frantic with grief and excitement, and desired to rush into the cabin to learn the whole truth. In this he was prevented by the others, who feared that the Indians were yet concealed in the cabin awaiting his return. Persuading Phillip to accompany them, they hastened back to the cabin of Mr. Copus, and, taking the latter's family, they all proceeded as rapidly as possible to Mr. Lambright's. This family was added to their numbers, and they pushed on to the cabin of Frederick Zimmer, Jr., Phillip's brother, and he and his family joined the fugitives. They hastened along an Indian trail, near where the village of Lucas now stands, and stopped at the cabin of David Hill, where they remained until the next morning, when, accompanied by the family of Hill, all proceeded to the block-house at Beam's mill. This fort
Fortification
Fortifications are military constructions and buildings designed for defence in warfare and military bases. Humans have constructed defensive works for many thousands of years, in a variety of increasingly complex designs...
was then occupied by a company
Company (military unit)
A company is a military unit, typically consisting of 80–225 soldiers and usually commanded by a Captain, Major or Commandant. Most companies are formed of three to five platoons although the exact number may vary by country, unit type, and structure...
of soldier
Soldier
A soldier is a member of the land component of national armed forces; whereas a soldier hired for service in a foreign army would be termed a mercenary...
s under Capt. Martin. A party of these soldiers, accompanied by Mr. Copus. Phillip and Frederick Zimmer, Hill and Lambright, all well armed, proceeded by the most direct route through the forest, to the cabins of Martin Ruffner and Richard Hughes. They found the cabin of Ruffner had not been disturbed, the boy Franghiser having slept there alone the night before; and the cabin of Hughes was also undisturbed. Ruffner had, a short time prior to this; upon the surrender of Hull, sent his wife and child to Licking County
Licking County, Ohio
Licking County is a county located in the state of Ohio, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 166,492. Its county seat is Newark and is named for the salt licks that were in the area....
, to a Mr. Lair, or Laird, an uncle, who lived about one and a half miles (two kilometres) from Utica
Utica, Ohio
Utica is a village in Knox and Licking counties in the U.S. state of Ohio, along the North Fork of the Licking River. The population was 2,130 at the 2000 census....
. At Ruffner's cabin, they were joined by Franghiser, Michael Ruffner and Mr. Hughes, and all hastened down the trail to the Zimmer cabin. Entering it they found the old gentleman, the old lady and Catharine, all dead upon the floor, and dreadfully mangled. The gallant Ruffner was lying dead in the yard. There was every evidence that he had made a desperate struggle for his life and that of the Zimmers. His gun was bent nearly double, and several of his fingers had been cut off by blows from a tomahawk. The struggle had finally ended by his being shot twice through the body. The details of this butchery could never be certainly known as the prominent actors were all killed; all had also been scalped
Scalping
Scalping is the act of removing another person's scalp or a portion of their scalp, either from a dead body or from a living person. The initial purpose of scalping was to provide a trophy of battle or portable proof of a combatant's prowess in war...
. It appeared that the table had been set with refreshments for the savages, and most of the food remained. Whether any of the Indians were killed, is not known; they would have taken their dead away with them, and destroyed all evidences, if such a catastrophe had happened to them. It is supposed that eight or ten Indians were engaged in this tragedy.
There is a tradition among the early settlers, that an Indian by the name of Kanotchy was taken prisoner some years afterward, and related the story of this massacre. It appears from this statement that the Indians entered the cabin and seated themselves very sullenly, while the terrified Kate was setting refreshments for them, as was usual. The heroic Dutchman was the only guard of consequence, as Mr. Zimmer was too old to make much resistance. The Indians made the attack very suddenly Ruffner not having time to fire, clubbed his rifle, broke the stock in pieces and bent the barrel double in the terrible fight. The odds were too much for him, and he soon went down before superior numbers. As soon as he was out of the way, they killed and scalped the old people. At the commencement of the affray. Kate fainted and fell to the floor, and, until aroused from this state of syncope, was unaware of the murder of her parents. When she came to her senses she looked about upon a scene of blood and horror, and burst into a paroxysm
Paroxysmal attacks
Paroxysmal attacks are short, frequent and stereotyped symptoms that can be observed in various clinical conditions. They are usually associated with multiple sclerosis, pertussis, but they may also be observed in other disorders such as encephalitis, head trauma, stroke, asthma, trigeminal...
of weeping
Tears
Tears are secretions that clean and lubricate the eyes. Lacrimation or lachrymation is the production or shedding of tears....
. She begged the savages to spare her life, but all to no purpose. They first ascertained from her where her father's money was concealed and then buried the tomahawk in her brain. While she was in a senseless condition a consultation had been held over her to decide whether they should kill her or take her prisoner. It was decided that her life should be taken, but still they hesitated as no one wished to do the deed. At length it was decided that the one who should perform the deed, should he considered as possessing the greatest heart, whereupon this same Phillip Kanotchy stepped forward, exclaiming, "Me kill white squaw, me got big heart." When Kate saw the tomahawk descending, she raised a beautiful white arm to ward off the blow, which, falling upon the arm, nearly severed it in twain; a second blow did the work-one quiver, and the lovely life went out.
She was engaged
Engagement
An engagement or betrothal is a promise to marry, and also the period of time between proposal and marriage which may be lengthy or trivial. During this period, a couple is said to be betrothed, affianced, engaged to be married, or simply engaged...
to be married
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
to Mr. Henry Smith, who was at that time in the East
Eastern United States
The Eastern United States, the American East, or simply the East is traditionally defined as the states east of the Mississippi River. The first two tiers of states west of the Mississippi have traditionally been considered part of the West, but can be included in the East today; usually in...
, attending to some business; they were to be married upon his return.
Martin Ruffner and the Zimmers were buried on a little knoll near the cabin, in one grave
Grave (burial)
A grave is a location where a dead body is buried. Graves are usually located in special areas set aside for the purpose of burial, such as graveyards or cemeteries....
, where the remains still lie. The farm is now owned by a Mr. Culler. After performing the last sad ceremonies over the remains of the murdered pioneers, they returned to the block-house at Beam's, and Michael Ruffner, his mother, and Hughes and family returned to Fairfield County, where they remained.
The settlers were thoroughly aroused by the tragedy, and all fled to the block-house for safety.
On September 15, 1812 the Copus Massacre
Copus massacre
The Copus massacre is a name given to a skirmish occurring on September 15, 1812, between American settlers and Indians on the Ohio frontier during the War of 1812...
occurred in which 3 Militiamen and James Copus killed; 2 militamen and Copus daughter wounded.
70 Years after the massacres, monuments were placed at each site.